Walk into any classroom anytime of day and chances are the class will be in the middle of a discussion. Led by the teacher, the dialogue will typically narrow to a predetermined conclusion. Sometimes an assignment will follow. Often, however, it will not. —Because … Read more
If you’re currently struggling to manage group work, it’s already too late. You’ve missed the boat. There is nothing you can do to fix it unless you’re willing to go back to the beginning. No, I don’t mean to reteach it. I mean to … Read more
The strategy is counterintuitive and therefore doesn’t reach many teachers. When a class gets off track, the tendency is to talk. It’s to rehash, remind, and redo. It’s to circle-up the community, lecture and rebuke. And while you may see temporary improvement, it’s unlikely … Read more
It’s not to teach your classroom management plan. With an out-of-control class, bringing up rules right away will fall on deaf ears. No, the first step after losing control or taking over an unruly class is to remove excitability. You see, in poorly behaved … Read more
In 1907, explorer Ernest Shackleton posted an ad that read: Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success. He received 5000 applicants. Although the veracity of the ad … Read more
So you’re stressed and fed up and decide to give SCM a try. You click through our website until your eyes are sore. You read a couple of our books. You download one of our classroom management plans. You take notes and study and … Read more
It’s one of the most common questions we get here at SCM. “How do I start over after becoming inconsistent?” The assumption is that it must be a big production. After all, the result of inconsistency is big misbehavior. Disrespect Rudeness Bullying Meanness Aggression … Read more
Many students do poorly because they believe they’re incapable. They’re just not good at school. And it shows in their lack of enthusiasm toward learning. This in turn causes more failure, which further reinforces this belief. It’s a never-ending cycle. Tragically, most teachers make … Read more